What Level of Blood Sugar Is Dangerous Low
Dangerously low blood sugar, also known as severe hypoglycemia, is a serious condition that occurs when your blood sugar level falls below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L).
Low Blood Sugar Symptoms
Confusion
Unusual behavior
Inability to complete routine tasks
Loss of coordination
Slurred speech
Blurry vision or tunnel vision
Seizures
Coma
In severe cases, dangerously low blood sugar can even lead to death.
Causes of Low Blood Sugar
There are a number of things that can cause dangerously low blood sugar, including:
Diabetes medications: One of the most common causes of dangerously low blood sugar is taking too much diabetes medication. This is especially true for insulin and sulfonylureas.
Skipping meals or medications: Skipping meals or medications can also cause dangerously low blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes.
Excessive exercise: Exercise can lower your blood sugar level. If you exercise more than usual without eating enough carbohydrates, you may develop dangerously low blood sugar.
Kidney disease: Kidney disease can make it difficult for your body to regulate blood sugar levels. This can increase your risk of dangerously low blood sugar.
Liver disease: Liver disease can also make it difficult for your body to regulate blood sugar levels. This can increase your risk of dangerously low blood sugar.
How To Treat Low Blood Sugar
If you think you may have dangerously low blood sugar, it is important to act quickly. Here are some things you can do to treat dangerously low blood sugar:
Eat or drink something sugary: If you are able to swallow, eat or drink something sugary, such as juice, candy, or regular soda. This will help to raise your blood sugar level quickly.
If you are unable to swallow, someone else can give you glucagon: Glucagon is a hormone that can raise your blood sugar level quickly. It is available in an injectable form.
When To Call Your Doctor
If you have dangerously low blood sugar, you should call your doctor immediately. They will be able to help you determine the cause of your low blood sugar and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
How To Prevent Low Blood Sugar
There are a number of things you can do to prevent dangerously low blood sugar, including:
Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly: This is especially important if you have diabetes.
Take your medications as prescribed: Do not skip meals or medications.
Eat regular meals and snacks: This will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to lower your blood sugar level. However, it is important to eat enough carbohydrates before and after exercising.
Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach: Alcohol can lower your blood sugar level for several hours. If you drink alcohol, eat something sugary at the same time.
Additional Tips For Preventing Dangerously Low Blood Sugar
If you have diabetes or another condition that puts you at risk of dangerously low blood sugar, there are a number of things you can do to manage your condition and prevent complications. These include:
Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly: This is the most important thing you can do to prevent dangerously low blood sugar. You should check your blood sugar level at least four times a day, or more often if you have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia.
Taking your medications as prescribed: Do not skip meals or medications.
Eating regular meals and snacks: This will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Exercising regularly: Exercise can help to lower your blood sugar level. However, it is important to eat enough carbohydrates before and after exercising.
Wear a medical alert bracelet: This will let others know that you have diabetes and may be at risk of dangerously low blood sugar.
Educate your family and friends about the signs and symptoms of dangerously low blood sugar: This will help them to recognize when you are having a problem and take action.
Carry a glucose meter and sugary snacks with you at all times: This will allow you to treat dangerously low blood sugar quickly if it occurs.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent dangerously low blood sugar and keep your blood sugar levels under control.
Complications Of Dangerously Low Blood Sugar
In addition to the immediate symptoms listed above, dangerously low blood sugar can also lead to long-term complications, including:
Brain damage: Severe hypoglycemia can cause brain damage, which can lead to problems with memory, thinking, and learning.
Seizures: Seizures are a serious complication of hypoglycemia that can occur without warning.
Coma: Coma is a life-threatening condition that can occur in severe cases of hypoglycemia.
Conclusion
Dangerously low blood sugar, also known as severe hypoglycemia, is a serious condition that can lead to a number of complications, including seizures, coma, and even death. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of dangerously low blood sugar and to take steps to prevent it. If you have diabetes or another condition that puts you at risk of dangerously low blood sugar, talk to your doctor about how to manage your condition and prevent complications.
